Thick-veined Philodendron (Philodendron crassinervium)

Thick-veined Philodendron

Philodendron crassinervium

Thick, leathery leaves hold bold tropical charm. Evergreen foliage plant; common name: Thick-veined Philodendron.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaf blades; tolerate low light for short periods
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–27°C; protect from temperatures below 15°C to prevent leaf yellowing and tissue damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Large, leathery oblong-elliptic leaves with prominent, raised light-green veins on dark green blades
  • Stem: Short, thick creeping rhizome with aerial roots for anchorage and moisture uptake
  • Inflorescence: Pale green to cream-colored spathe enclosing a yellow spadix (rarely produced indoors)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf tip burn

Composted coffee grounds tea:Use only fully composted grounds; dilute 1:30 with water for root drenching to avoid soil acidity spikes and pest attraction
Pruning
  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain plant health and appearance
  • Trim overgrown aerial roots if they become unruly and disrupt the plant's form
  • Repot and prune crowded, circling roots in early spring to refresh the growing medium
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to oral pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing

Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation and temporary swelling of lips or tongue

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental foliage for indoor tabletop or shelf displays; suitable for terrarium cultivation